Our top books of 2010 was posted early enough to be able to use as a shopping list. That means we’re at the end of the year without a nice wrap-up list. Really, it’s a bit embarrassing. So, what do we have in store? A list we know several of you will feel the need to argue with in the comments. (We actually really love that, by the way.)

TOP 10 SWOON-WORTHY HEROES
In fairness, we’re using the word hero in lieu of male lead character, but go with us, because a few of these boys are strictly anti-hero. Also, this list isn’t in any particular order…OK, Terrible is going to lead because we’re a touch obsessed (did you join the Support Group yet?)

1. Terrible from Stacia Kane’s Downside Ghosts series

We first got a soft spot for the scarred drug enforcer in Unholy Ghosts, but as his shields melt for Chess in Unholy Magic and City of Ghosts we fell head-over-heels for him. Anyone else actually remember that he’s not supposed to be traditionally good-looking? We didn’t think so. Also, dear lord, that man can work magic in tunnels and bar bathrooms. Magic. (Review of Unholy Ghosts)

We forgot to mention Rhys' abs. See above.

2. Rhys from Meljean Brook’s The Iron Duke

War hero. Pirate. Lord. Rhys is used to getting his way. Mina doesn’t need his damn help. Prepare for the man to accept the fact she saves him (more than once) and then do whatever it takes to win her over. Also, he’s gigantic and it’s hard not to love a pirate on an airship. (Review of The Iron Duke)

3. Prince Ash from The Iron Daughter (Iron Fey #2) by Julie Kagawa

Ash is a bad boy. Hell, he’s one of those “bad” faeries. You know, Unseelie and all that. Really, the ice prince is protective and loyal and we want to save him from himself. Meghan sees it, too, and despite the insane things the boy does, it’s hard not to swoon for the quintessential “hot boy with sword.” (Review of The Iron Daughter)

4. Barrons from the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning

Technically, we didn’t get a new Fever book in 2010. Shadowfever was originally slated for release in December, but was pushed back. However, we read the Fever books in 2010, so we’re counting it. The man baffles us. What is Barrons? What’s with the mirrors? Him and MacKayla together? We love the tension he brings. (View of Fever series posts)

5. Caleb from Crimson Moon by J.A. Saare

Lookie! We picked a werewolf on our list. See, we’re not biased against the shifters. Oh no, we loved the way Caleb balances his wild side with increasing tenderness and chivalry toward Emma. And the incredibly thoughtful way he sealed their bonding — at a beautiful, secluded rock quarry — was icing on the cake. And let’s not forget his fighting abilities, because when it comes to weres that’s always hot. (Review of Crimson Moon)

6. Alastor from Sins of the Soul (Otherkin #2) by Eve Silver

Sure, the other Soul Reaper brothers in Eve Silver’s Otherkin Trilogy are great and all. (Yes, Mal even won us over in Sins of the Flesh), but it’s hard not to go weak in the knees for Alastor’s take-charge style. Just ask Naphré! Their first encounter — while the unknown girl they rescued waits in the living room — was straight-up blush-worthy. One would need to keep the demon on his toes, but it would be worth it. (Review of Sins of the Soul)

A potential Dimka. (It's OK to look.)

7. Dimitri from the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead

It may have been said best in the first book: Dimitri is like a god. Stoic and full of restrained power. There’s something about getting to see his hold on his emotions slip that warms us. We admit, the last couple books were rough with Dimitri, but he’s never been anything but overwhelmingly loyal, resourceful and handsome. He loves Rose and each time we get to read a bit of it, we’re grinning from ear-to-ear. (See all Vampire Academy posts)

8. Packard from Mind Games by Carolyn Crane

Yes, yes, we know Otto might be the obvious choice from this first Disillusionists Trilogy book. But we love the bastards. Packard is that. He thinks he knows better than others, and thinks he should make decisions to protect them. But the chemistry between him and Justine is palpable. One would expect smoke to begin pouring from the pages whenever they have scenes alone from the sheer amount of sexual tension. (Review of Mind Games)

9. Lucas from Hourglass (Evernight #3) by Claudia Gray

One of VBC’s best friends really hates Lucas. She’s got a thing for Balthazar. We get that. Really. But, as you all know, we like the rough ones. Lucas has depth, and — honestly — we just have a thing for the dark, bad boy who is willing to risk his life and throw away his past for a girl. When he’s protective, he’s hot. When he’s alone with Bianca, he’s vulnerable. Duality makes us swoon. (Early review of the final Evernight book Afterlife)

Never discount a Viking vampire in a good suit. (Photo: HBO)

10. Eric Northman from Dead in the Family (Southern Vampire Mysteries/Sookie Stackhouse #10) by Charlaine Harris

Sure, Dead in the Family was not the best SVM book. Nope. Wasn’t the best book with Eric in it either (we all know book 4 and its infamous shower will lead that poll any day). But we did get to see what Eric’s really like. We were in his home. And the fact this book came out right before the beginning of season 3 of True Blood that included plenty of Alexander Skarsgard playing our favorite Viking vampire sure did help push it up on the swoon scale. (Review of Dead in the Family)

The full list of those devilish heroes who stole our hearts is long. Instead of listing everyone, we’re going to ask you to kindly tell us your favorites this year. You’re also welcome to tell us we’re crazy for picking any of the above 10 — though we might fight you if you disagree about Terrible. He’s kind of sacred these days.

Barrons, Dimitri and Ash I completely agree with!! Don’t agree with Eric, but then I’ve only read the first Sookie book and don’t watch the series…
I’ve got The Iron Duke high up on my TBR stack, I’m thinking it should be higher still now 😉

Aside from Barrons, Ash and Dimitri, who would all hit my top 10 list, I’d also have to include William from Ilona Andrews Bayou Moon. And Curran from their Kate Daniels series as well. Also, Tucker from Uneathly by Cynthia Hand, because he’s basically my perfect guy.

I don’t know if this is just for books that came out only in 2010 but what about BONES from Jeaniene Frost’s Night Huntress series! He is one of the SEXIEST, HOTTEST and MOST SWOON-WORTHY fictional male characters out there! The hot, passionate scenes in the books and the way he says “Hallo Kitten” melts you and just leaves you in a puddle on the floor. 🙂 Also if you read “One Foot in the Grave” the infamous Chapter 32 speaks for itself. 🙂

I’ve got to vote for both Will and Jem from Cassandra Clare’s Infernal Devices: The Clockwork Angel. Even though Will made me angry and turn much more Team Jem, he’s still pretty hot. And then there are all of the guys from Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely series. They’re all gorgeous in my opinion. My favorite is probably Niall because he’s just enough bad to be hot but still nice and protective of Leslie, then Irial because he’s just so very bad that it’s good, then Seth because he just sounds sexy and nice and sweet and loving, then Devlin because he has a nice balance between cool reserve and smolder, and even Keenan kinda tugs at my heartstrings. I didn’t want to like him but I do, especially when he’s willing to let Aislin live the life she wants even if it’s not better for the court. I could go on, but I’ll just shut up instead.

Oh and I totally agree with Eric! Even if I don’t like the latest Sookie book all that much (and I didn’t like the last one. The ending was rubbish and she overdescribes things that don’t need description. Why do I care what kind of gardening Sookie did or what outfit she wears? And why especially would I care what store that outfit came from? Sheesh), if Eric shows up, the book becomes wonderful. Especially now that I can picture Alexander Skaarsgard every time he comes on the scene. Yummy personified.

Terrible, Rhys, Barrons and Packard are all totally swoon worthy! I would also add Disco (J.A. Saare’s Dead, Undead or Somewhere in Between), Raphael (Guild Hunter series), Conall from Sin Undone, and Bones & Spade. And Vishous is always worthy of a good swoon! 🙂

Ohmigod! That’s hottie-candy-eyed-and-body TAYLOR KITSCH! 😀 😀 He was so serious at the start, but then he warmed up. This should say it all: “Wait until next time. I’ll do things that’ll make you lose control within seconds.” Just…..WOW! *swoons* Sign me up in the I-too-wanna-lose-control-with-Dimitri line, please. 🙂 lol

Dimitri is of course my # 1 choice. God I love that man. However, since you have given me a stack of books to read while I recoup, I must say, I now fantasize about Kalen in Shiloh Walker’s “Through the Veil”…and my husband is a tad bit jealous : )

Totally agree with Dimitri, Ash and Eric. They’re all different but so strong and incredibly sensitive in the same time.
But what about Shane Collins in the Morganville vampires series by Rachel Caine?